Fibonacci: Patterns In Nature
Big Idea:
Finding patterns in nature that relate to the Fibonacci sequence.
Learning Outcomes:
- ask questions that foster investigations and explorations relevant to the content
- measure objects
- compare familiar plants according to similarities and differences in appearance
- demonstrate an understanding for increasing and decreasing patterns
Time required: 90 to 120min
Materials:background information about Fibonacci and the Fibonacci Sequence, visuals, plant books, "Fibonacci: Patterns in Nature Worksheet"
Lesson
1. Give students some background information on Fibonacci and the Fibonacci sequence.
2. Allow students to “play” with the sequence and discover patterns (increasing and decreasing).
3. Show students visuals of different plants in nature that show these types of patterns and discuss.
4. Hand out Fibonacci: Patterns in Nature worksheet, take students on a nature walk and have them look for their own patterns in nature.
5. Return to class and have students discuss and compare the patterns they found with one another and have a class discussion about what was discovered.
Extension
In a computer lab, have students look up the scientific names of the plants they had seen patterns on. Allow them to explore plant websites to see what other plants follow the same patterns they saw. Discuss other patterns they may have discovered that were not discussed before.
Information and graphics found in the lab, along with materials found on the nature walk, can be used to make an art/poster project.
